Udupi: Couple and three others booked after infant sold for ₹4.6 lakh

Udupi police have uncovered an illegal child procurement racket involving a couple from Kallugudde, Heruru in Kaup taluk, a doctor, and two other accomplices. The case came to light when the couple tried to register a four-day-old infant at an anganwadi under the Poshan Tracker scheme, raising suspicions.

The anganwadi worker alerted the Child Development Project Office (CDPO), which filed a complaint at Shirva police station on August 21.

How the racket operated

According to police, Prabhavati and Ramesh Moolya, unable to conceive, procured the infant — born on August 3 at Colaco Hospital, Mangaluru — by falsely claiming it as their own.

Investigation revealed:

  • Their relative, Priyanka, introduced them to Vijayalakshmi alias Vijaya, who ran a paying guest (PG) facility in Mangaluru.
  • The biological mother, a 22-year-old rape survivor with mental health issues, had become pregnant due to sexual assault and was staying at the PG during her pregnancy.
  • Navaneeth Narayan (25) was also involved in facilitating the deal.

The accused Vijayalakshmi, in collusion with Dr Somesh Solomon, allegedly planned the sale of the infant. During a six-month scan, Ramesh and Prabhavati’s Aadhaar details were used for hospital records, and the baby was eventually handed over to the couple after delivery via Caesarean section.

Police said Dr Somesh and Vijayalakshmi received ₹4.6 lakh for arranging the illegal transaction. Investigators added that the biological mother was discharged without proper care but has since been admitted to hospital under police supervision.

Legal action and arrests

Police have registered a case under:

  • Section 81, Juvenile Justice Act, 2016
  • Sections 143(4), 61, 64, and 3(5), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

The accused Dr Somesh, Vijayalakshmi, and Navaneeth have been arrested. The couple, Prabhavati and Ramesh, are cooperating with the investigation, while Priyanka has also been questioned. Authorities noted that Vijayalakshmi had previously been involved in similar activities.

Conclusion

The case exposes the dark underbelly of illegal child trade and exploitation of vulnerable women. Police have assured strict legal action against all involved and are examining systemic lapses to prevent similar crimes in future.